The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has blamed the low turn out of voters in the state for the gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections on the presence of heavily armed military personnel in the state.
The governor said this while addressing pressmen shortly after casting his vote at ward 7, unit 9, Rumuepirikom in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
He expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will emerge winner in the election, adding that they have worked for the people in the last four years.
Wike said despite the attempts to manipulate the election in some Local Government Areas, he is sure of victory.
“We are hoping that it will Continue to be like this. Sometimes, the voting goes on smoothly, but the main thing is at the Collation Centres.
“For now, we are satisfied and confident that we will win this election very well. We are not afraid. We don’t know how many Local Government Areas they can manipulate.
“But with reports we are getting, even though they are trying to be funny, we shall win”.
The Governor noted that the turnout during the election was affected by the illegal activities of the military.
“The way the military acted discouraged people from turning up. The role of the military is to provide security. But it is unfortunate that they directly participate. Police have no role in the elections. The military appears to have taken over police duties”
